Yes…I did say paint!!
Learn How to Freshen Up (Paint) Your Outdoor Cushions
Do you have cushions that look like this?
Faded? Stained (I mean with kids…gotta have a stain or two)? Don’t want to replace or simply cannot?
Well have I got a solution for you! Painting!
For me, painting seemed like my only option. They looked terrible, yet the furniture frames still look great. The cushions are not officially replaceable as they cannot be removed (no zippers). I couldn’t find replacement cushions from the vendor or the store in which I purchased them. Nor could I find totally new cushions that fit as they are oddly shaped and sized. I could have searched for fabric and found someone to make them for me, but I really wanted them sooner rather than later. And my guess is that they would have cost quite a bit of money to have them done.
So…in order to get another couple of years out of them before replacing the entire set, I sought out my Paint color. FYI…it took forever and a couple of visits, picking out several billion (OK..an exaggeration…but a lot) swatches, until I found a good one.
Andreas did not think that painting them would be very successful…at all.
But the Home Depot guy, Swaz, had great confidence in both my abilities and the project itself.
So here is what I needed:
- Drop cloth
- Paint, brush and/or roller
- Scrub brush
As a side note, I did buy the best exterior paint on the market.
It is not supposed to fade but does cost a pretty penny (in comparison to other exterior paints). Someone had recommended fabric paint, but it would have taken a lot of paint bottles and it is not all-weather.
Now on to the project…
First I brushed the dirt off of the cushions.
Then, on the backside, as that was the least faded, I tested the color to determine whether it truly was a good match.
Wet, the paint didn’t seem to match at all. But dry, it looked like a fabulous match. So I just started painting all of the cushions.
Some of them I painted both the front and the back side. However, I realized, 3 or so cushions into it, there was no point in doing the back side since it is not at all visible. Saved some time.
I let them dry and then placed them back on the furniture.
Here is a great before and after shot.
Few things…
1. I only needed one coat of paint.
2. The paint does feel a bit rough after it dries, but I am sure that they will soften in time. Most new cushions have that rough feel anyway so it doesn’t feel too much different than brand new ones…ok maybe a little bit more rough than new ones. Liken it to screen print on a t-shirt…that’s the feel that it has. For me, the silk screen isn’t bothersome because I know it will not last long and they look great. For some of you…may not be so appealing. Definitely something to consider.
3. I did try to add a clear coat, but it did not look right and I had to repaint. You may try a clear coat to protect, but I just caution you to be careful.
Leave me a comment below and tell me if this would be something you would try?
Stay tuned next week as I share how to Revitalize this Outdoor Dining Table.
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BTW…its good to be back. Or at least I hope that I am back. As you all know, at least I think you do, we are expecting a New Addition to our family.
Being still in the first trimester, I have been going through morning sickness. Although I would call it just baby sickness as it affected me throughout the day, not just the mornings. I have felt terrible. While I still am nauseous some, I haven’t puked in the last few days. So I hope to pick up my posting. All of my energy has been going to my full-time traditional sales career up until now! 🙂
Thank you for being patient and sticking with me!!! Hope to see you more! 🙂
Hey girl, it looks fabulous! I’ve never used actual paint like that, but I did use an acrylic an a throw pillow, and lol its still stiff. I think its time to wash it, lol.
Can’t wait to see your table makeover! I have a small circular one that has been out back up table for parties, but its pretty banged up. I think its time to spray paint and tile it like you did 🙂
Allie…you rock! Big hugs to you. Thanks! I hope the stiffness goes away as they sure do look good. Table makeover is looking good. Can’t wait to highlight. Easy peasy project for sure. Can’t wait to see yours then as well.
Those cushions turned out great! I had my very best pregnancy in my 40s! Kate is my 4th baby, only girl, and turned 16 months today. Enjoy every moment!
That is fabulous Elizabeth. I hope mine gets better. But glad to know. I am very excited for sure. 🙂
this gives all new life! let us know how it wears.
That looks so great! Thanks for linking up at Tips and Tricks! Pinning.
Thank you for hosting! Appreciate it.
Hey Denise,
Wow! That is our exact furniture as well! We love the furniture and we were so disappointed it faded out within a year. The new cushions do not fit well and do not look nearly as good. I am going to paint ours too. Do you happen to know the paint color that you finished with?
Thanks,
Glenn
Glenn. Glad you liked. It was the Behr Marquee Exterior Flat Paint: http://www.behr.com/consumer/products/exterior-paint-and-primer/behr-marquee-flat. I found a site that supposedly made new covers, but couldn’t get them to respond so painting had to work for me. Ha! 🙂 They are still a bit stiff, but look great and can sit on them for sure. The softness is still there on the cushion, just the fabric isn’t quite so soft just yet.
great job! thanks for sharing! can i ask quick question what was the brand name and type of the paint picture is blur i coolant read it. many thanks!
Thank you so much! Behr Marquee Exterior Flat. Here is a link to the product: http://www.behr.com/consumer/products/exterior-paint-and-primer/behr-marquee-flat
Your cushions look fabulous. I love a good paint project,
Traci
Thank you so much Traci. I appreciate it.
I love it!!!!
Thank you so much Randy!! I love them too. Thank you again!
Your cushions look marvelous! It’s amazing what a little paint can do on SO many different surfaces! When my kids were little, I bought an upholstered sofa at a garage sale and painted it. It looked brand new! Another time, I bought a leather couch that was faded and spray painted it — it came out fabulous! The trick (as you mentioned) is to use high quality paint. Also, if you water it down significantly, it helps keep the fabric supple and not too stiff. Thanks for sharing this project! Debbie
Instead of a clear coat, try a spray waterproof silcone like what’s used on tents!
Great idea Gwen. When I have a chance I will update the post to include that suggestion.
The cushions look f-a-b! I have read on some blogs that if you sand the paint (once dried, of course) with a fine grit, that should help get the stiffness to settle down. I’m getting ready to paint a couch & this just looks great….
It looks like a great idea – I’ve never tried it, but it looks like it was worth a try – and success huh?